Noticeboard

Noticeboard

GIRL GEEK LAUNCH

Ikwekwezi FM & SABC Foundation pulled through a partnership with Africa Teen Geek to uplift and motivate young girls to follow careers in IT.

According to the Department of Basic Education, South Africa has smaller amount young girls with interest in Information Technology (IT) at school. It is with that reason that Ikwekwezi FM & SABC Foundation pulled through in partnership with Africa Teen Geek to uplift and motivate young girls to follow careers in IT.

This effort started in 2016 when Africa Teen Geeks was established to try open up access to computer education whilst ensuring inclusive education for the previously disadvantaged. Since then, 15 young girls received an opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley, San Francisco in Northern California - a global centre for high technology venture capital, innovation and social media. The girls were motivated by the Minister Zweli Mkhize of COGTA who is at the forefront the initiative in getting young girls technologically advanced. “Myriad of challenges we face in SA can simply be addressed by young people through technology. We need to solve challenges working together and the responsibility lies in our hands”, said Minister Mkhize.

Also in attendance was Ms Nada Wotshela GE: SABC Radio & Ms Iris Cupido CEO of SABC Foundation who both affirmed the need for other institutions to gear efforts towards Africa Teen Geek and adopt young girls to find technology as a career attractive. Girl child has so much against her, exposure to something that can look as simple as coding is huge, we can start with little efforts like that.

Acting Ikwekwezi FM Station Manager, Juliet Skosana whose station is the main radio partner of the Africa Girl Geek indicated the importance of radio as a medium to connect with people especially those in rural areas. “I wish this opportunity to be spread across other SABC radio stations to ensure maximum reach and support. "We broadcast and reach the rural poor of Mpumalanga province and experience their frustrations to gain access to basic necessities. Clever young girls who just need mentorship and exposure await this opportunity and my wish is for other partners to come on board to address this concern", she said.